A mechanic’s work is physically demanding. Not only that, but auto repair shops and auto body shops can be very dangerous environments, if all precautions are not taken. Not surprisingly, mechanics suffer more injuries than many other types of workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, each year, over 15,000 mechanics miss at least one day of work due to work-related accidents. Additionally, there are more than 150 mechanics who die each year due to fatal workplace injuries.

At the Chicago workplace injury law firm of Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we help mechanics and others in the automotive industry obtain the money they need to cover their accident-related expenses. Our dedicated team of Chicago workers’ compensation and personal injury lawyers work closely with you to fully understand the impact the accident took on your life. With our help, you can obtain the benefits you deserve so you can begin to put your injuries behind you and start to move on with your life.

Mechanic Workplace Injuries

Most workplaces present workers with at least some hazards that must be avoided. However, whether working at a large car dealership or a family-owned shop, mechanics face many more dangers than most workers. In part, this is due to the very physically demanding nature of the job, but also because shops can be incredibly dangerous. A few of the most common types of mechanic work injuries include:

Hand and Finger Injuries – Part of being a mechanic is using tools in tight spaces. While mechanics are adept at this, accidents will happen. Even what seems to be a minor hand injury, if ignored, can turn into something much more serious.

Falls – Working on cars and trucks involves draining and replacing a range of fluids. Despite a mechanic’s best efforts, often these substances end up on the floor, creating a major hazard. When a mechanic slips and falls, they can suffer serious injury. The most serious of these injuries involve the head, back or neck.

Eye Injuries – Mechanics frequently work with pressurized gasses and liquids. If tubing ruptures, or if even a small mistake is made, these gasses or liquids may cause serious eye injuries.

Hazardous Substances – Mechanics commonly work with hazardous liquids or other substances that may cause chemical burns if inhaled or touched with bare hands. For example, inhaling diesel fumes or other toxic gasses can also cause serious lung damage.

Overexertion – A mechanic’s work is physically demanding, and shop owners often impose strict performance metrics to ensure mechanics stay productive. However, when employees push themselves too hard, they are much more likely to suffer overexertion injuries affecting their back, neck, shoulders and hands.

However your injuries occurred, you may be entitled to compensation to help you cover your accident-related expenses. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we can help you understand the Illinois workers’ compensation system and work to get you the benefits you deserve.

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation System

Mechanics who are injured on the job may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Through a workers’ compensation claim, an injured employee can obtain not only medical benefits, but also monthly benefits to ensure continued income while they are recovering.

To obtain Chicago workers’ compensation benefits, a mechanic must show each of the following:

• They were employed at the time of the accident;
• They were injured as a result of their employment;
• Their injury was caused by, or related to, their job; and
• They complied with all workers’ compensation notice requirements.

Notably, to bring a workers’ compensation claim, a mechanic does not need to prove that anyone else caused their injuries. Workers’ compensation benefits are even available if a mechanic’s injuries were due to their own actions. This does not necessarily mean that every workers’ compensation claim is approved. Employers and their insurance companies will frequently contest a mechanic’s claim, either by arguing that their injuries were not work-related or that their injuries are not as serious as the employee claims. An experienced Chicago workers’ compensation attorney can help mechanics overcome these hurdles and secure these important benefits.

Contact an Experienced Chicago Mechanic Injury Lawyer for Immediate Assistance

If you have recently been injured as a mechanic, the knowledgeable Illinois workers’ compensation lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg want to help. As dedicated attorneys with more than 30 years of experience handling workers’ compensation claims, we understand the difficulties that arise after a workplace accident and will do whatever we can to make the recovery process as smooth as possible. As a part of the Briskman Guarantee, we handle all cases on a contingency basis, meaning we will only accept payment if we are successful in getting compensation for you or your family. To learn more, call 1-877-595-4878 to schedule a free consultation today.